The new wave is good, and I definitely enjoy more bands than others. But, a ton came before bands like 200 Stab Wounds and Sanguisugabogg. Immolation started in 1988 when I wasn’t even a full year old yet. Today I’m 38 and that’s the exact time this legendary band has been a thing. ALMOST FOUR DECADES. Many legacy bands mail it in, with mediocre efforts to put out albums. That isn’t in the cards for Immolation. With members in their 50’s (a few in their later 50’s) they’re playing half their age. I wish more bands were as consistent and worked as hard as Immolation. In fact, they’re heating up yet again.
Just when I thought they put out a great album in 2022 “Acts of God” they drop “Descent”. The singles leading up to the album release were very promising. As a whole it’s easily one of the best death metal releases of 2026 (maybe THE best). The New York veterans once again show everyone how to write quality death metal. As usual, the band finds new ways and creative riffs to keep your attention. Immolation uses more chords and tempo changes, rather than the same repetitive death metal tropes (constant blast beats and double bass, tremolo riffs and chugs/slam riffs). In fact there’s some hints of melody on “Descent” on occasion. Immolation is top notch in groove and showcases a ton of that. Ross’s vocals keep getting better and clearly takes good care of his voice. Vigna’s classic guitar style is all over the record, blending some tasteful guitar solos and unique guitar riffs.
I’ve seen them live at a smaller 100-150 cap venue here in Buffalo but stoked to see them on the all headliner tour when it comes to town in May. They’re touring with Deicide, Rotting Christ with Behemoth headlining. They all can and deservingly should headline (with my stupid joke) and is one for the old heads. They’re stopping in at Buffalo Riverworks for their upcoming tour and holds thousands of people. I’m excited to see them in a considerably large venue, although I love the small venue feel and reality of saying hi to the bands. And I’m gonna brag Ross stopped into one of my band’s shows in Rochester shook my hand and enjoyed our music. I was blown away.
This legacy band doesn’t need any help promoting their new music or tours, they’ve more than earned their keep. To repeat my earlier opinion of a legendary band not folding and putting out great music is inspiring. They’re serious about their craft and show the death metal genre how it’s done. Nothing too complicated, brutal grooves and consistent vocal performances across the board. The drums are solid and doesn’t take up all the room and the bass is phenomenal. I truly think Immolation still didn’t get the love they deserve (IMO they should be Cannibal Corpse big) even after all these decades. I’m just glad they’re still around and giving us new music, quality music at that.
https://www.facebook.com/share/18hWUFLBWK/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.facebook.com/share/1KTnbDjqVG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Courtesy of technicalmusicreview.com.